As India is all set for Diwali 2025, the Festival of Lights, the twinkle of diyas, crackers, and holiday lights will shortly illuminate the skies. But in the midst of twinkle and shine, physicians are cautioning residents to safeguard their eyes from the ill effects of crackers, smog, and prolonged screen time during festivities.
It’s important to be cautious around fireworks. Festive occasions can be an opportunity to celebrate with fireworks displays, but it is essential to be mindful of the risk they can pose to our eyes. Experts in eyes indicate that fireworks can be very dangerous to eyes.
The injuries can vary from slight irritation to severe trauma, including burns, chemical injuries, or physical injuries due to sparks and fragments. The chemicals used to make firecrackers often include nasty ingredients including sulfur, charcoal, and heavy metals, all of which can cause a lasting injury if they get into the eye.
Even one spark is enough to become a serious issue and cause permanent vision damage if the injury is not dealt with in a timely manner, warn the doctors at Krishna Netralaya Eye Hospital, requesting the public exercise caution when engaging in celebrations.
What To Do If an Eye Injury Happens?
If chemicals or ash have entered the eye, wash it with clean water or saline for 15–20 minutes to flush it out and seek medical help urgently after. If the eye is struck with rubbish or burns: If the eye becomes struck with rubbish or burns, do not rub the eye or wash it, but cover it lightly with a clean cloth or sterile gauze and go as quickly as possible to the nearest eye-care centre.
Intelligent Prevention Measures for a Safe Diwali
Use Eye Protection: Wear safety glasses or goggles while lighting fireworks or standing in their vicinity. Maintain distance and do not gaze directly at them.
Be Mindful of Sparklers: While they appear innocent, sparklers get very hot and can produce bad burns. Keep them away from kids and faces.
Avoid Contact Lenses: Heat and smoke can dry out eyes and irritate them. Wear glasses instead.
Rest Your Eyes: Break up your screen time, blink frequently, and apply artificial tears if your eyes get dry.
Have a First Aid Kit Available: Things do go wrong having saline drops isn’t sterile gauze on hand can keep further harm from occurring.
Supervise Children: Keep children away from fireworks and make them aware of the risks.
Shield Sensitive Eyes and Elders: Get elderly and those with eye issues to remain indoors in properly ventilated areas.
Pre-Eyecare Consultation: Particularly for the ones who have eye issues, an early consultation will avoid complications.
Keep Emergency Contacts Handy: Store your nearest specialist or eye hospital numbers handy for instant assistance.
Smog and Pollution: An Insidious Eye Irritant
Smog after Diwali due to firecracker fumes and pollution can trigger itching, watering, and redness. Physicians advise using protective glasses outside, lubricating eye drops, and avoiding going out during high pollution times to avoid dryness and allergic responses.
When to Consult Medical Attention
If you suffer from uncontrollable eye pain, loss of vision, swelling, or burns, rush to a reputed eye hospital. Institutes such as Krishna Netralaya are ready to take care of eye emergencies and immediately provide the necessary treatment to avoid lasting damage.
Celebrate Brightly, But Safely
Diwali is light, happiness, and bonding not blindness due to negligence. With a little caution, families can celebrate the festival safely and safeguard their eyes against avoidable damage.
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Sofia Babu Chacko is a journalist with over five years of experience covering Indian politics, crime, human rights, gender issues, and stories about marginalized communities. She believes that every voice matters, and journalism has a vital role to play in amplifying those voices. Sofia is committed to creating impact and shedding light on stories that truly matter. Beyond her work in the newsroom, she is also a music enthusiast who enjoys singing.
